Short Message Peer-to-Peer (SMPP)

Author: Anagha Ravi
Published: July 27, 2018
Updated: June 2, 2026

What is SMPP?

SMPP stands for Short Message Peer-to-Peer, and is an open, industry-standard telecommunications protocol used to exchange SMS messages between Short Message Service Centers (SMSC). 

What’s the SMPP protocol?

The SMPP protocol is a level-7 TCP/IP protocol, so mobile applications can transfer short message data between External Short Message Entities, Routing Entities, and Message Centers. To do this, applications use an SMPP connection to an SMSC, SMS gateway, or SMPP gateway.

There are three different types of the SMPP protocol:

  • v3.3: The original public version of SMPP protocol was released in 1997.
  • v3.4: The second public version was released in 1999.
  • v5: The final version was released in 2003. 

How Bandwidth is involved with SMPP

When a message is sent with Bandwidth services, it is sent by the SMPP gateway to the SMSC with the delivery receipt value set. The SMSC will return the final disposition of the message as determined by the carrier.

What are the benefits of Bandwidth’s involvement with SMPP?

Bandwidth has made the technicalities of SMPP our business so you can build a better user experience for yours.

Bandwidth’s Messaging API makes it easy for businesses to embed programmable messaging into their platform within minutes. Backed by the Bandwidth’s owned and operated US network, our programmable messaging services power business messaging for leading organizations.

Terms related to SMPP

The information provided in this glossary definition does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice, nor does it necessarily represent Bandwidth's products or business practices. This page is for general informational purposes only.
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